The new Architecture Museum is located in one of
Norway's first monumental Empire Style buildings, designed by
Christian Grosch in 1830, and a four-story building that was added
in 1910.

The buildings had been empty since 1990 and were in great need
of repair. A new Exhibition Pavilion and a complete
restoration of the historic buildings were made.

Photo: Thomas Mayer

Photo: Thomas Mayer

The concept behind the new Exhibition Pavilion was to create an
introverted situation with daylight, the sky, and the surrounding
vegetation as important elements in the total experience.

Photo: Thomas Mayer

The cast on site construction is square in plan with four large
columns supporting the slightly curved concrete roof. The facades
are glass, blurring the transition between outside and inside.
Exterior glass louvers provide for sun screening.

Photo: Thomas Mayer

The pavilion is surrounded by concrete walls that expand the
experience in the room and act as a quiet backdrop for the
exhibitions.

Photo: Thomas Mayer

Photo: Thomas Mayer

Photo: Thomas Mayer

Photo: Thomas Mayer

Visitors enter the museum through the original Main entrance in
the Grosch Building. All public functions, Reception, Bookstore,
Café etc., are located in the Main Hall on the ground floor. The
Library and the Administration are located on the second
floor.

Photo: Thomas Mayer

Photo: Thomas Mayer

From the Main Hall visitors have access to the Exhibition
Pavilion with changing exhibitions, or to the adjacent building
with the permanent collection.

Photo: Thomas Mayer

Photo: Thomas Mayer

Photo: Thomas Mayer

The goal for the restoration was to recreate the buildings
original character and accentuate the structure to interact with
the new elements. The original room sizes have been reestablished
when possible.

Focus has been on excellent craftsmanship, using period methods
when applicable. The materials used have been few; walls are
plastered and painted with an oil based paint, stucco lofts have
been repaired and reconstructed.

Technical installations were fitted to the existing
construction, preserving the architectural language in a satisfying
way.

New building materials are mainly concrete, glass, steel, marble
and oak.